Dog bites can result in serious injuries that commonly develop into infections. Some dog bites are so severe that they result in permanent disfiguration or scarring. Omaha dog owners are legally responsible for the injuries and damages their animals cause. This means those attacked by a dog may be entitled to receive money from the dog’s owner to compensate them for doctors’ and hospitals’ bills, missed wages from not being able to work, and other losses.
With an Omaha dog bite lawyer’s help, you and your loved ones could pursue a claim for compensation. The knowledgeable injury lawyers at Berry Law can advocate on your behalf throughout the injury claim process to give your claim the best chance of success.
Applicable Laws for Omaha Dog Attacks
Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601 explicitly declares that dog owners are generally responsible to anyone who is bitten or otherwise attacked by their dogs. These laws are known as “no bite laws” because the injured person does not need to prove the owner had any knowledge that the animal had a propensity for attacking others.
However, this law does have an exception for trespassers who are on another’s property without permission. The owner of a dog who bites a trespasser is generally not liable for the trespasser’s injuries. An Omaha dog bite lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to show that a person is entitled to receive compensation for dog bite injuries.
Types of Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Lawsuit
The general rule is that those who are bitten by dogs may be able to pursue a claim against the dog’s owner and seek compensation for the losses the person endured as a result of the bite. This can include compensation for both economic losses that have a price tag attached to them and noneconomic or intangible losses. Specifically, a claimant can request compensation for:
- Any past and future medical treatment
- Pay the injured person was not able to earn or will not be able to earn in the future because he or she had to miss work
- The costs of prescription drugs, assistive devices, and other aids the person(s) may need to manage pain or care for themselves
- Mental anguish or conditions such as anxiety or depression
- Pain and suffering
A person who was attacked by a dog can seek compensation for both past expenses as well as expenses he or she might have in the future. An Omaha dog bite lawyer can thoroughly examine a person’s circumstances to calculate an appropriate amount of compensation to request. They can then bring a claim for compensation against the negligent owner.
An Omaha Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
An experienced Omaha dog bite lawyer can take the steps necessary to preserve and exercise your legal rights. This includes collecting evidence to illustrate what happened and the losses you suffered. Throughout the legal process, a determined Omaha injury attorney can advocate on your behalf. If you have been injured due to a dog bite, do not hesitate to contact an attorney and discuss your situation as soon as possible.